Shooting Industry January 2012 Digital Edition - Page 60

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE Honored American Veterans Afield Holds National Family Day onored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) hosted 150 disabled veterans and wounded active duty personnel and their families at the organization’s Fourth Annual National Family Day. More than 250 attended the event at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 12, 2011. The day of shooting, entertainment, food, raffles and fellowship also featured exhibitions by USA Shooting Team members Mark Weeks and Haley Dunn. The event offered a unique 10-stage, 3-gun competition format, while maintaining a fun, safe atmosphere. “Tremendous industry volunteerism made this event possible,” said Tom Taylor, HAVA chairman. “Numerous shooting sports companies contributed prizes for the adult raffle, which awarded over $10,000 in prizes and hunts to these deserving American heroes.” Firearms were donated by Glock, Mossberg, SIG SAUER and Smith & Wesson. XS Sight Systems hosted an airsoft match and a Kids Raffle, which awarded prizes to all of the youth attendees. Local VFW District 20 served lunch and dinner to the attendees, and 200 local middle-school children created personal thank-you notes for the troops’ dedicated service. “Since 2008, HAVA’s National Family Day has served over 600 wounded warriors and family members, and has become the shooting sports industry’s finest expression of its appreciation of those who serve so valiantly,” Taylor said. “It is our privilege to represent the industry in thanking those disabled veterans and wounded active duty heroes and their families, who have given their full measure of commitment to defend America’s freedom,” Taylor said. “National Family Day has grown into a major event for the wounded warrior families from Brook Army Medical Center, numerous transition house facilities and Fort Hood.” The attendance at HAVA’s National Family Day has tripled since the initial event, despite numerous other Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day festivities held on Nov. 10 and 11. “Our focus on support for the entire family is unique, and the sacrifice of spouses and kids is applauded. We believe getting the disabled and wounded out on a hunt or to a shooting event is sound therapy for those who are trying to rebuild their lives and reinforce confidence in the future, despite personal challenges,” Taylor said. HAVA is already planning their Fifth Annual National Family Day in 2012, and the organization is seeking assistance. H 60 Subscribe to SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com • NEW BUSINESS YEAR EXTRA 2012